Mouseear Chickweed

Mouseear Chickweed

(Cerastium vulgatum)

Mouseear chickweed is a winter perennial. The leaves are opposite, oblong and covered with hair. Mouseear chickweed grows prostrate but will have several upright stems, and can tolerate close mowing. Mouseear chickweed has a fibrous root system.

Improved soil drainage can benefit control of mouseear chickweed, as well as decreasing shade. Nitrogen fertility is important; preventive practices can discourage infestation. Mechanical or physical removal is not recommended, as stolons may break and sprout with the potential to increase, rather than decrease, the infestation. If the turf is kept under very close mowing conditions (6-8 mm), pluggers may be used effectively for physical removal.

Good turf management practices, including good liming and a nitrogen fertilization program, will encourage a dense stand of turf and make it difficult for mouseear chickweed to become established.